Publication Information

Abstract

This supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) has been prepared in response to an application submitted by Energy Northwest to renew the operating license for Columbia Generating Station (CGS) for an additional 20 years.

This SEIS includes the analysis that evaluates the environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives to the proposed action. Alternatives considered include replacement power from new natural gas-fired combined-cycle generation; new nuclear generation; a combination alternative that includes some natural gas-fired capacity, energy conservation, a hydropower component, and a wind-power component; and not renewing the license (the no-action alternative).

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's preliminary recommendation is that the adverse environmental impacts of license renewal for CGS are not great enough to deny the option of license renewal for energy-planning decisionmakers.